Hilcorp recently informed state regulators that the company is unlikely to begin repairs on a gas leak in Cook Inlet until mid- to late March, according to a letter obtained by Alaska’s Energy Desk through a public records request.
Energy & Mining
Murkowski says Trump policies on Arctic, climate still unclear
At a meeting in Anchorage Friday with elected officials from around the Arctic, Murkowski said she’s fielding questions about potential changes in U.S. policy.
Industry pushes back against proposed changes to state’s oil tax system
As lawmakers in Juneau consider changes to the state’s oil tax credit system, they’re facing stiff opposition from oil companies. Several industry representatives testified before lawmakers this week. Those representatives are calling the changes proposed in House Bill 111 a tax increase. And they also say it could affect their investment decisions.
House Science Committee asks EPA to drop Pebble Mine veto
In a letter Wednesday to new EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, the chairman of the House Science Committee asked that the agency rescind its 2014 veto of the Pebble Mine.
Walker peddles pipeline project to President Trump
After Trump was elected, Alaska Gov. Bill Walker sent the new president an infrastructure wishlist from the state. At the top of that list is the state-led $45 billion gasline project. But Alaska’s LNG project faces significant hurdles
Start-up gambles time is right for Alaska solar power
One major challenge is simply convincing people that solar works in Alaska — and that, in fact, Alaska might be ideal solar territory.
Protesters leave Dakota Access Pipeline area; some stay and are arrested
The governor of North Dakota had set Wednesday as the evacuation deadline for the largest protest camp. The Trump administration is allowing the pipeline to be built, despite the protests.
Fansler lays out position on taxes, opioid disaster, subsidies
District 38 state Rep. Zach Fansler laid out his position on proposed taxes, the governor’s opioid disaster declaration, changes to oil and gas subsidies, and more Friday during a live KYUK call-in show with constituents.
Questions raised over new tanker escort tugs for Prince William Sound
New tugboats planned for Prince William Sound are part of a major transition taking place in the system set up to prevent oil spills after the Exxon Valdez.
Environmental group to sue Hilcorp over Cook Inlet gas leak
The leaking gas pipeline in Cook Inlet is drawing concern from environmental groups and state and federal agencies. Cook Inletkeeper told Hilcorp CEO Jeffrey Hildebrand it intends to sue the company in 60 days, claiming Hilcorp is violating of the Federal Clean Water Act.